The festive garden
From 17 – 21 December come and experience The Festive Garden—a new walk-through Christmas lights experience at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden. You’ll find Christmas lights in a magical setting, Santa and his elves, face painting and roving entertainment—all for free.
Sunshine Coast Council invites you to attend The Festive Garden, a free walk- through Christmas Lights experience. A shuttle service will take you to and from this experience. This is a free community event however, bookings are essential.
The event is only accessible by a Park-n-Ride service hosted by Sunbus Express coaches departing frequently from the Sunshine Coast University. Free parking is available on the University campus. Please see the map below for parking options and where to catch the Express. Tickets will be scanned before boarding. You do not need to print your ticket if you have a smartphone – tickets can be scanned from these devices.
A fleet of seven Sunbus Express coaches will arrive at the University at 5.30pm to depart for the gardens once tickets are scanned and patrons have boarded. Buses will then operate in a frequent loop - picking up and dropping off visitors to and from the gardens.
- Children 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Prams are permitted on buses, but it is recommended that you travel as lightly as possible in consideration of all other patrons.
- All busses are wheelchair accessible – please indicate your specific requirements when booking your ticket.
It is ideal to allow 1.5 hours to experience the entirety of the Festive Garden. However, you don’t need to book a specific session time to visit or book a specific bus or seat. Please bear in mind the ideal time to arrive at the University is from 5.30pm to 7.30pm allowing 30 minutes for roundtrip travelling.
There will be absolutely no public traffic access to the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens. Parking or ‘drop offs’ will not be permitted at the Gardens.
Due to current Queensland Health legislation, anyone who is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be denied entry to this event. Please be sure you can provide proof of your vaccination upon checking in at the Bus terminal, before we scan your ticket.
This event is proudly sponsored by: Sunshine Coast Council, EventX, Mask Events and Sunbus.
WHEN: 17 – 21 December from 6pm – 9pm each evening
WHERE: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden, Tanawha. There is no direct entry at the garden. You must use the park-n-ride facility at the USC Transit Centre.
PRICE: Free
For frequently asked question please click the link